August tax collections in Kansas topped estimates by more than $8 million.
The state Department of Revenue reported $460 million in tax collections last month, ahead of its official projection of $452 million.
The AP reports that since Kansas' current budget year began on July 1, that state has collected a total of $914 million in taxes, about $16 million more than projected.
Kansas Revenue Secretary Sam Williams said it's too early to tell whether economic growth is boosting revenues.
Friday's report is a test of the income tax increases that took effect in July, and people like House Democratic Leader Jim Ward said he would be watching closely.
“I think you start to see trend data," Ward said. "The bar is so low, it’s not just getting over the bar, but we’d like to see a substantial number like we had last month that shows we’re on the right track again."
The full impact of the tax changes may not be clear for months. Some taxpayers might not have adjusted their withholdings, meaning that money wouldn’t come to the state until the tax filing deadline in April.
Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @KPRKoranda.
